NFL Mock Drafts

We're closing in on the two week mark. It's time for an update that reflects new information and personnel changes. As usual, no projected trades. Let me know what you think in the comments. For more great mocks, check out walterfootball.com.

1. Kansas City Chiefs - Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan

I'm sticking with Fisher here, despite a near draftnik consensus on Luke Joeckel. Joeckel has been coined "the safest pick in the draft," and that is the direction most are pegging Andy Reid and the Chiefs to go. They will likely lean heavily on the run game next season, and throw primarily in the short-to-intermediate area since they will be quarterbacked by Alex Smith. Fisher has a higher ceiling than Joeckel and is a better fit for the Chiefs' offense. Previously: Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan

2. Jacksonville Jaguars - Dee Milliner, DB, Alabama

While most have the Jags going with Dion Jordan to fill Gus Bradley's "LEO" role, there are a couple guys already on the roster that could fit there. With Mathis, Cox, and Ross all leaving this offseason, there is not a single starting-caliber corner on the team. Bradley is used to strong corner play, and makes it a point to start the season with the draft's best corner on his squad. Previously: Dee Milliner, DB, Alabama

3. Oakland Raiders - Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida

Reggie McKenzie has been busy shedding a ton of the Raiders' bad contracts from the Al Davis era, and has created a ton of holes in the process. Floyd will step in to help the defensive line since Richard Seymour and Tommy Kelly became cap casualties. Previously: Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida

4. Philadelphia Eagles - Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah

With Chip Kelly coming in, there are a ton of directions the Eagles can go. In this case, they opt to continue increasing size on defense. Star is a versatile defensive lineman with great strength and surprising mobility for his size. Previously: Dion Jordan, OLB, Oregon

5. Detroit Lions - Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M

Is there even a question? While most Lions writers are optimistic that the offensive line holes can be filled by guys who have never/rarely seen NFL game action (Jason Fox, Bill Nagy, Rodney Austin), I am far from sold. The Lions need to take an offensive lineman in the first round, and hope one of the top two tackles falls to them. I think Lane Johnson is definitely deserving of this pick if the board doesn't fall so kindly. Previously: Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M

6. Cleveland Browns - Dion Jordan, OLB, Oregon

I mentioned last time that this defense could be dangerous earlier than most expect, and that was before they added a couple more free agents on that side of the ball. Jordan is one of my favorite players in the draft, and would be an excellent fit for Ray Horton's attacking 3-4 scheme. Previously: Ziggy Ansah, DE, BYU

7. Arizona Cardinals - Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma

The Cardinals grabbed Carson Palmer to shore up the QB spot for one or two years as they rebuild on offense. I'm sure they would prefer Palmer be standing up, so they take Lane Johnson here. Johnson is extremely athletic and has quite a mean streak for a former quarterback. Previously: Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia

8. Buffalo Bills - Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia

I'm assuming there will be some movement in the top ten, so it's tough to find the right destination for Geno. If we're in a static top ten, this is probably the best landing spot for him. Don't think for a second that Buddy Nix is really sold on Kevin Kolb. Previously: Barkevious Mingo, OLB, LSU

9. New York Jets - Ziggy Ansah, DE/OLB, BYU

If Ansah falls this far, some have said he will likely fall further, since the Jets brass needs to see immediate results. I think he's simply too good to pass up at this point, and could wreak havoc in the Jets' defensive scheme. Previously: Chance Warmack, G, Alabama

10. Tennessee Titans - Jonathan Cooper, G, UNC

Despite handing over an enormous contract to Andy Levitre in free agency, the Titans could still use some help at guard. Cooper would be a great scheme fit and could help revitalize the career of Chris Johnson. Previously: Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah

11. San Diego Chargers - D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama

The Chargers are in dire need of offensive line help. While Chance Warmack could provide assistance, they go with Fluker hoping he can play the left side. He is a beast and has the longest arms in the draft, and would definitely be an upgrade over Jared Gaither. Previously: Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma

12. Miami Dolphins - Barkevious Mingo, DE, LSU

The Dolphins have now watched the top four offensive tackles go off the board by pick eleven. Some have them taking Warmack if the tackles are gone, but Miami actually has three starting-caliber guards on their roster. They go best player available and plug Mingo in across from Cameron Wake, to form what looks to be a pretty strong defensive line with Randy Starks in the middle. Previously: D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama

13. Tampa Bay Bucs - Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia

Austin is the most electrifying player in the draft. There are some reports that the Bucs may not be sold on Josh Freeman, but Austin should make him look much better. He will line up all over the field in a Sproles/Harvin/Bush role, and is also dangerous in the return game. Previously: Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri

14. Carolina Panthers - Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri

Apparently last year the Panthers felt strongly enough about their defensive tackles to not add talent via the draft or free agency. This time they need help, and Richardson should improve their run defense, get pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and protect their strong linebacker group. Previously: Sylvester Williams, DT, UNC

15. New Orleans Saints - Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia

The Saints are building Rob Ryan a 3-4 defense, and Jones would fit nicely across from Victor Butler. Obviously, there are issues with workout numbers and the spinal stenosis, but the tape doesn't lie. Previously: Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia

16. St. Louis Rams - Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas

The Rams two starting safeties from last season are gone. They have a chance to take the best one in the draft at this spot, and they do. Sometimes it's that easy. Previously: Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas

17. Pittsburgh Steelers - Chance Warmack, G, Alabama

A year after having David DeCastro fall to them, the Steelers rush to the podium to select Warmack. Warmack and Cooper are 1A and 1B this year, but Warmack falls a bit due to team needs and positional value. Previously: Jonathan Cooper, G, UNC

18. Dallas Cowboys - Sylvester Williams, DT, UNC

The Cowboys are transitioning to Monte Kiffin's 4-3 defense, and don't have much youth or depth at defensive tackle. Williams is a good value here. Previously: Alec Ogletree, LB, Georgia

19. New York Giants - Alec Ogletree, LB, Georgia

Ogletree would be dangerous in this defense, and the Giants can't pass up on the playmaking linebacker despite his off-field issues. Previously: Xavier Rhodes, DB, Florida State

20. Chicago Bears - Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee

The Bears never quite replaced Johnny Knox, and Devin Hester will be switching to a full-time returner role. Patterson becomes the field stretcher for them that will complement the size of Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery, and Martellus Bennett. Previously: Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia

21. Cincinnati Bengals - Keenan Allen, WR, Cal

Allen provides a nice complement to A.J. Green, even if Sanu works out. He can work the underneath routes and has strong hands that will quickly gain the trust of Andy Dalton. Previously: Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State

22. St. Louis (WAS) - Quinton Patton, WR, LA Tech

*Pick made by Rams expert/affiliate Tejas Shah* The Rams filled their safety need at sixteen, and fill another need at this spot. Patton can do a bit of everything, and will stretch the field while Jared Cook works Amendola's old safety blanket route tree. Previously: Keenan Allen, WR, Cal

23. Minnesota Vikings - Datone Jones, DE, UCLA

Jones is my favorite player in the draft, so I'd personally hate to face him twice a year. He would be a good scheme fit for the Vikings, and has the ability to line up inside on passing downs. Werner has been a popular pick for them, but I believe Jones provides more value. Previously: Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee

24. Indianapolis Colts - Xavier Rhodes, DB, Florida State

The Colts are in good position to see how the board falls and go for maximum value. The interior offensive linemen are gone, but Rhodes would be a nice complement to Vontae Davis while Toler plays the nickel. Rhodes has solid length and speed, and should contribute immediately. Previously: Datone Jones, DE, UCLA

25. Minnesota Vikings (SEA) - Kevin Minter, ILB, LSU

It's no secret the Vikings will be targeting a linebacker early, and Minter gets the nod over Te'o and his vivid imagination. Minter takes on blocks extremely well and would fit the Vikings defensive scheme. Previously: In Mock 1.0, this pick still belonged to Seattle, who drafted Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame

26. Green Bay Packers - Jonathan Cyprien, S, FIU

The Packers could use some help at safety, and take Cyprien off the board over Matt Elam, who is rated higher by most analysts. Cyprien has better size and should be more durable in the NFL. Previously: Matt Elam, S, Florida

27. Houston Texans - Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame

As I said last time, Owen Daniels is on the wrong side of 30. After losing James Casey and Joel Dreesen over the past two seasons, the Texans have a definite need for a red zone threat tight end. Previously: Zach Ertz, TE, Stanford

28. Denver Broncos - Matt Elam, S, Florida

Anyone who watched the playoffs knows that Denver could use some help/depth at the safety position. Elam is a bit undersized, but possesses a well rounded game and plays with great speed and instincts. Previously: Kawann Short, DT, Purdue

29. New England Patriots - Desmond Trufant, DB, Washington

The Pats could use some help at corner, and Trufant just seems like a Belichick guy. He's got NFL bloodlines and solid coverage ability. Previously: Desmond Trufant, DB, Washinton

30. Atlanta Falcons - Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State

The Falcons have two solid defensive ends in Osi and John Abraham, but both are over 30. Werner will provide rotational depth and learn from two of the best. Previously: Blidi Wreh-Wilson, DB, Connecticut

31. San Francisco 49ers - Jesse Williams, DT, Alabama

This player-team connection has been made for a while, and that's because it makes sense. Williams falls a bit due to lack of experience, but has tremendous potential and is one of the strongest players in the draft. Previously: Margus Hunt, DE, SMU

32. Baltimore Ravens - Jamar Taylor, DB, Boise State

That's right, not an inside linebacker! Taylor has been building some momentum over the last few weeks, and cracks the first round to help Baltimore replace Cary Williams. Previously: Kevin Minter, ILB, LSU

Round 2

33. Jacksonville Jaguars - John Jenkins, NT, Georgia

Adding Jenkins next to free agent acquisition Roy Miller allows Gus Bradley to move Tyson Alualu to the strong defensive end spot (Red Bryant in Seattle). That would give the Jags two huge bodies in the middle, which Bradley was accustomed to in Seattle. A shutdown corner and a massive space-eater sound like a solid Bradley haul to me. Previously: Tank Carradine, DE, Florida State

34. San Francisco 49ers (KC) - D.J. Hayden, DB, Houston

Another solid value pickup for the Niners. Hayden would likely have been a first round pick if not for a freak medical issue. This kid has the talent to start from day one. Previously: Manti Te'o, ILB, Notre Dame

35. Philadelphia Eagles - Menelik Watson, OT, Florida State

Watson has the athleticism that Chip Kelly wants in his offensive linemen, and will eventually replace 31 year-old Jason Peters on the left side. He could start on the right as a rookie and move Todd Herremans to guard, but may need a redshirt year to hone his craft. Previously: Justin Pugh, T/G, Syracuse

36. Detroit Lions - Tank Carradine, DE, Florida State

With huge needs on the offensive line and at defensive end, the Lions would be wise to leave the first two rounds with help for each. Carradine has an individual pro day scheduled for April 20th to show how he's progressing from his ACL injury last November. If the workout goes well, he will absolutely come off the board earlier than this. If there are still some questions, he could provide a ton of value in the second round. Previously: Jonathan Cyprien, S, FIU